Neelakurinji Withers; to Paint the Hills Blue After 12 years

 Neelakurinji: Enchanting Bloom of Kallippara Hills in Kerala's Idukki 

The magnificent hills blooming after 12 years wait. Source: Indiatimes 

In what can be categorised as nature's wonderful canvas, Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthes kunthiana) paints the Kallippara Hills blue with a glimpse of picturesque beauty. Kallippara Hills which were quite anonymous in Kerala's Idukki district till the blooming season have gained sudden recognition largely from the first week of October. 

A Major Hotspot of Tourism

According to officials, the footfall of tourists have increased in a jiffy with around 10 lakh people flocked to the hills in the past 30 days. The October month with its pleasing weather in the coastal part of India, have favoured the tourism. The total revenue generated is of ₹15, 03,180 lakh according to estimates. 

Flowers Wither but Footfall Continues

The grama panchayat of this blessed town of Santanpara continues to witness trailing flock of tourist inflow. Panchayat president Liju Varghese said the media that although local bodies closed the ticket counters, yet people have continued to visit the dried out Neelakurinji flowers, and why not when they bloom only in 12 long years? 

The Flickering Tourist Potential

It came to prominent notice of the officials the enormous tourist potential and the revenue generated which could help in the development of the Idukki district. A plea has been submitted to the district magistrate to convert the place into tourism spot for year- long revenue generation. 

What Concerned the Authorities? 

Wastes scatter everywhere; tainting the beautiful Hills

In the joy of witnessing the rare blue blessing, people rummaged the Kallippara Hills, dumping heaves of waste! Authorities advanced their concern for the control and management of waste with leaders like Neeraj Madhav asked people to control the overflow of garbage, to maintain the serene atmosphere. 

The Opinion Page 

What mainly does this case study caters us to? 

Firstly, the beauty of nature and its existence is mutually beneficial to us. Also, the revenue generated from tourist places is a major source of development of a country's economy at large. 

Secondly, the behavior of the tourists is also a matter of concern. Efficient waste collection and management in such places is a major challenge. The panchayat has led a major role of swift management of people, showing efficiency of governance.

India's aim of achieving the goal of  "Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan " and SDG goal 15 - Life on Land  and 13 : Climate Action should be also kept in minds of individuals for a better future. 

Sustainable Development Goals

With due time, it is highly expected that people become responsible and with government- public partnership such association is carried even more smoothly when Neelakurinji flowers bloom after 12 years!